Ravens to focus on draft strategy amid Lamar Jackson saga, GM says

The Ravens Held a Draft Presser and Everyone Wanted to Only Talk about Lamar | The Rich Eisen Show

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has asserted that the uncertain future of star quarterback Lamar Jackson will not affect the team’s draft strategy for the upcoming season.

On Wednesday, DeCosta, head coach John Harbaugh and director of player personnel Joe Hortiz held a pre-draft press conference. DeCosta assured fans that the team would remain objective when selecting players, considering the best player available and not focusing on specific needs or biases.

DeCosta explained that the draft process typically involves nine months — starting in August — to select the most talented players for the team.

Although the possibility of Jackson being traded or signed with another team could result in additional draft picks for Baltimore, he did not suggest any preference for a resolution on Jackson’s status before the draft.

“I think the things that we can control are really getting the list, the draft board set, evaluating players as best as possible,” DeCosta said.

When asked whether the Ravens were considering selecting a quarterback in the draft’s first round, DeCosta replied that their decision would ultimately depend on the draft board.

He explained that since the team has quarterbacks among their top 31 picks, the team might consider choosing a QB in the first round.

Jackson’s trade request

Last month, the Ravens made a strategic decision to designate Jackson with a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $32.416 million.

This allowed Jackson — who represents himself without an agent — to negotiate with other teams when the free-agent signing period officially started on March 15.

If he agrees to an offer sheet, Baltimore will have a five-day window to match the offer or let him sign with the other team and receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Jackson requested to be traded recently, saying that the Ravens were not “interested in meeting my value.” However, no information suggests that the 26-year-old has received any offer.

The 2019 MVP has until July 17 to decide to sign with other teams.